Can A Stick Welder Be Used For Tig – The Ultimate Guide To Scratch
Yes, you can use a DC stick welder for TIG welding by setting up a “scratch start” configuration. This requires a TIG torch with a manual gas valve, a bottle of 100% pure argon, and a regulator.
Because both processes use Constant Current (CC) power sources, the conversion is straightforward, though you will lack a foot pedal for amperage control and high-frequency arc starting.
If you have ever stared at your trusty arc welder and wondered if it could do more, you are not alone. Many DIYers reach a point where they need the precision of a TIG weld but aren’t ready to drop a thousand dollars on a dedicated machine. You might be surprised to learn that the answer to can a stick welder be used for tig is a resounding yes.
I remember the first time I tried this in my own garage. I had a thin stainless steel project that my stick welder would have simply vaporized. By adding a few specific accessories, I turned my basic “buzz box” into a surgical instrument for metal. It isn’t perfect, but for a hobbyist, it is a total game-changer.
In this guide, I will walk you through the exact steps to convert your machine. We will cover the necessary gear, the polarity settings you cannot afford to get wrong, and the technique of “scratch starting” an arc. Let’s get your workshop upgraded without breaking the bank.
Understanding the Basics: can a stick welder be used for tig?
To understand why this conversion works, we have to look at how these machines produce power. Both stick welding (SMAW) and TIG welding (GTAW) utilize a Constant Current (CC) power source. This means the machine tries to keep the amperage steady even if the voltage fluctuates as you move your hand.
MIG welders, on the other hand, use Constant Voltage (CV), which is why you cannot easily turn a MIG machine into a TIG welder. Because your stick machine already provides the correct type of electrical output, it is essentially half of a TIG welder already. The main difference is how the shielding gas and the arc are managed.
When asking can a stick welder be used for tig, the most important factor is whether your machine is DC (Direct Current). While you can technically TIG weld with an AC-only stick welder, it is incredibly difficult and generally not recommended for beginners. A DC machine allows for the smooth, stable arc required for high-quality TIG work on steel and stainless steel.
Essential Equipment for a Scratch Start TIG Setup
You cannot just plug a TIG torch into your stick welder and start working. You need a specific set of components to bridge the gap between these two processes. Since your stick welder doesn’t have a built-in gas solenoid or a foot pedal port, we have to go “old school.”
The TIG Torch (17V Style)
The most critical piece is the torch. You need what is called a valve-on-torch or “17V” style torch. Since your welder can’t turn the gas on and off automatically, this torch has a small manual knob on the handle. You turn the knob to start the gas flow before you strike your arc and close it when you are finished.
Shielding Gas and Regulator
TIG welding requires 100% pure Argon gas. Do not try to use the 75/25 Argon/CO2 mix used for MIG welding, as it will instantly contaminate your tungsten electrode. You will also need a flowmeter regulator to drop the tank pressure down to a usable 15-20 cubic feet per hour (CFH).
Tungsten Electrodes and Filler Rod
You will need non-consumable tungsten electrodes. For most DIY projects, a 3/32-inch 2% Lanthanated (blue tip) tungsten is a great all-purpose choice. You also need filler rods that match the material you are welding, such as ER70S-2 for mild steel or ER308L for stainless steel.
The Critical Importance of Polarity
If you make one mistake in this process, let it not be the polarity. In standard stick welding, you often run “DCEP” (Direct Current Electrode Positive), where the electrode holder is positive and the ground clamp is negative. However, for TIG welding, you must switch to DCEN (Direct Current Electrode Negative).
In a DCEN setup, the TIG torch is connected to the negative terminal and the ground clamp is connected to the positive work piece. This is vital because, in DCEN, about 70% of the heat is concentrated on the workpiece rather than the tungsten electrode.
If you accidentally run TIG on DCEP (Positive), all that heat will rush into your tungsten. Within seconds, the tip of your tungsten will melt into a molten ball and possibly drip into your weld pool. Always double-check your lead connections before you strike an arc to ensure you are set to “Straight Polarity.”
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Your Machine
- Power Down: Always ensure your welder is turned off before swapping leads or making connections.
- Connect the Torch: Plug your TIG torch power cable into the negative (-) terminal of your stick welder. Most modern machines use Dinse connectors that twist into place.
- Connect the Ground: Attach your work lead (ground clamp) to the positive (+) terminal.
- Hook Up the Gas: Connect the gas hose from your TIG torch directly to your Argon regulator. Ensure the connections are tight to prevent leaks.
- Prep the Tungsten: Grind your tungsten to a sharp point, like a pencil. Ensure the grind marks run longitudinally (lengthwise) toward the point to stabilize the arc.
- Set the Amperage: Start with a conservative setting. A good rule of thumb is about 1 amp for every 0.001 inch of metal thickness.
Mastering the Scratch Start Technique
The biggest hurdle when using a converted stick welder is starting the arc. Dedicated TIG machines often have “High Frequency” (HF) start, which allows the arc to jump from the torch to the metal without touching. With a stick welder, you have to use the scratch start method.
To start the arc, you must literally scratch the tungsten against the workpiece, much like striking a match. The moment the arc flickers to life, you must lift the torch slightly (about 1/8th of an inch) to establish the welding puddle. This takes practice because if you stay in contact too long, the tungsten will stick to the metal.
If your tungsten sticks, it becomes contaminated. You will have to stop, remove the tungsten, and regrind it. It can be frustrating at first, but once you develop the muscle memory, it becomes second nature. Keep a steady hand and use a copper strike plate nearby if you want to avoid scratch marks on your actual project.
The Limitations of Using a Stick Welder for TIG
While the answer to can a stick welder be used for tig is yes, it is important to manage your expectations. This setup is a “stripped-down” version of TIG welding. You are missing two major features that professional TIG welders rely on: amperage control and post-flow gas.
No Foot Pedal
On a dedicated TIG machine, a foot pedal allows you to increase or decrease heat on the fly. With a stick welder conversion, your amperage is fixed. If the metal starts getting too hot, you can’t just back off the pedal; you have to move faster or break the arc. This makes welding thin aluminum or varying thicknesses much more difficult.
Manual Gas Control
You are the gas solenoid. You have to remember to turn the valve on before you strike and, more importantly, keep the torch over the weld for a few seconds after you finish while the gas is still flowing. This protects the cooling weld from atmospheric contamination. If you flip the torch away too fast, the end of your weld will turn black and brittle.
No Aluminum (Usually)
Most DIY stick welders are DC only. To weld aluminum, you generally need AC (Alternating Current) with high frequency to break through the oxide layer. While you might have an AC stick welder, without a high-frequency box, TIG welding aluminum is nearly impossible and will likely result in a messy, contaminated weld.
Safety Practices for the DIY Welder
TIG welding produces intense UV radiation, often more concentrated than stick welding because there is no smoke to block the light. You must wear a high-quality welding helmet with a proper shade setting (usually shade 10-12). Ensure your skin is completely covered; a “TIG burn” is essentially a severe sunburn that can happen in minutes.
Another safety factor is the gas cylinder. High-pressure Argon tanks are dangerous if they fall. Always secure your tank to a welding cart or a wall bracket with a heavy-duty chain. Never move a tank without the safety cap screwed on tight.
Lastly, be mindful of the “live” torch. In a scratch-start setup, the tungsten is electrically hot the moment the machine is turned on. Unlike a dedicated TIG machine where the torch only becomes hot when you press a button or pedal, your scratch-start torch will arc the moment it touches anything grounded. Always set the torch down on an insulated surface.
Material Selection and Preparation
TIG welding is notoriously sensitive to dirt. Unlike stick welding, which uses flux to “clean” the weld as you go, TIG offers no such help. If your metal is rusty, oily, or painted, your arc will wander, and your weld will be full of porosity (bubbles).
Before you start, use a dedicated stainless steel wire brush or a flap disc to grind the joint down to shiny, bare metal. If you are working with stainless steel, wipe the area down with acetone to remove any fingerprints or oils. Cleanliness is the difference between a weld that looks like a stack of dimes and one that looks like burnt popcorn.
When selecting filler rods, make sure they are stored in a dry place. Rusty or dirty filler rods will ruin an otherwise perfect weld. I recommend keeping your rods in sealed PVC tubes to keep them pristine until the moment you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions About can a stick welder be used for tig
Can I weld aluminum with a stick welder TIG conversion?
Technically, no. Most stick welders provide DC output. Aluminum requires AC TIG with high frequency to clean the oxide layer off the metal. Without a dedicated AC/DC TIG machine with HF start, you will struggle to get a functional weld on aluminum.
Do I need a special regulator for Argon?
Yes, you need a flowmeter regulator designed for Argon. It measures the flow in Cubic Feet per Hour (CFH) rather than just pressure (PSI). This allows you to set the precise amount of gas needed to shield the weld pool without wasting expensive Argon.
What happens if I use the wrong gas?
If you use CO2 or a MIG mix (Argon/CO2), your tungsten electrode will oxidize and burn up almost instantly. You will see heavy black soot and the weld will be extremely porous. Always use 100% pure Argon for TIG welding.
Is scratch start TIG harder than regular TIG?
It has a steeper learning curve because you have to manually strike the arc without sticking the tungsten. However, many professional pipe welders still use scratch start in the field because of its simplicity and the reliability of the equipment.
Final Thoughts on the Scratch Start Conversion
If you have been holding back on a project because you didn’t think you had the right gear, I hope this guide has changed your mind. Knowing that can a stick welder be used for tig opens up a world of possibilities for the home shop. It allows you to work on thinner materials, create beautiful stainless steel furniture, or perform precision repairs that a stick electrode simply cannot handle.
The transition requires a small investment in a torch, gas, and a regulator, but the skills you gain are invaluable. Start by practicing your “match-strike” arc starts on scrap metal. Don’t get discouraged if you contaminate a few tungstens along the way—it is a rite of passage for every TIG welder.
Once you master the rhythm of the manual gas valve and the steady hand of the scratch start, you will realize that your basic workshop setup is far more powerful than you initially thought. Grab your gear, sharpen that tungsten, and start building something incredible. Your journey into precision metalworking starts with that first scratch. Strong welds and stay safe in the shop!
